EverythingHealth is designed to address the rapid changes in Science, Medicine, Health and Healing in the 21st Century. This site will sift through the vast amount of confusing data and simplify issues that are of interest to everyone interested in a healthy life and longevity. The writings on EverythingHealth are entirely my own views and opinions.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Copperhead Snake Bite

Ever wonder what a copperhead snake bite will do? This patient was bit on his finger 4 days prior. The venom causes local tissue destruction and a secondary infection can set in. Copperhead snake bites are usually not fatal but, as you can see, the damage can be extensive.

Just came from physical therapy with my husband as a result of copperhead bite. Hand swelled up like a mitt and had to have skin removed from finger as skin was dead from the bite. Has hole in finger where tissue was removed because it was also deal.2 days in hospitalday surgery, 2 days physical water therapy and 3 weeks of not using his hand.

The picture is pretty bad; the thing no one is mentioning is that the Copperhead babies are worse, because they can't control the amount of venom they are giving to you like the adults can so their bites can actually be fatal.

Me and my dad love to find snakes, and in WV sunday I found a 30" long Copperhead and later we both found one a bit shorter, the 2nd one struck at the stick about a dozen times, had lots of fun. Let each one go safely...such purty snakes. A clear head and quick reactions are 2 qualities you need with these snakes.

This is a sever allergic reaction. I myself have been bitten 3 times by copperheads, I had minor swelling and a small injection because I got no treatment. Not even enough to keep me away from work. Rattlesnake venom causes your blood to clot while it is still in your system, which is what makes it more dangerous, especially if left alone to get to your heart. Copperheads are not as dangerous as people put them out to be. Yes, like with any animal, be careful, and take care, but they can cause about as much damage as a garden spider.

to the Anonymous post in July 2012, you were very fortunate. I was bitten on the foot a week ago, and have swelling and bruising past my knee, cannot straighten my leg, cannot walk (using crutches and knee scooter). My doctor said this is normal/common for a copperhead bite, and that it could take several weeks to heal. Copperhead bites ARE far more dangerous than garden spiders! In fact, there have been a couple of research studies advising that copperhead bites be reclassified as to their severity. A quote: "The generalization of copperhead snakebites asmild or of benign clinical significance should be reconsidered." Please do use care!

Hi, I'm researching copperhead bites for a National Geographic series. If anyone has any copperhead bite images they would be interested in sharing for our documentary please email me at rosshwarren@gmail.com and I can give you the details.

Anonymous..ever been bit by a Copperhead? Your comments are idiotic. I just spent four days in the hospital, one in ICC, and am on day three of recovery at home. I still have no function of my right leg and cannot straighten it. The back of my leg looks like I was whacked by a 2x16 and is dark blue, purple and blistered. A spider bite? Please. I wish this on no one. You are I'll informed and ignorant to comment, which is why you posted as Anonymous. Well, I will post as John Steiner.

I was introduced to a nest of copperheads by putting my right foot near it June 14, 2015. I had three fang marks on my small toe. I never saw them u til after they were captured. I was in southern Maryland at dawn assisting with a medical emergency.....when I then became one. The pain was instant and relentless. It did not matter what they gave me (and trust me they were pumping all kinds of crap into me). If I moved the pain was unbearable. I dealt with the effects of that bite for about four weeks. I still have knee pain (it but the foot of the leg that just had surgery the pain I. My knee left for a few weeks, I was bitten and it has been present ever since). Calvert county memorial hospital had the antivenom. It took hours for them to administer it. After a day, I went to John's Hopkins as that was where my family was located. The interns were quite interested in the whole thing. The antivenom (12 vials of crofab) cost my insurance 40,000. Thank God for insurance. Anyway, trust me you never want to experience that. My swelling went all the way to my mid thigh and it bit my little toe. It's hemp toxic so I had some bleeding issues for weeks. I'm an island girl. Don't like the woods and never really minded snakes. My opinion has changed just a bit. Thankfully the other family member is fine and I am fine so we can laugh about the whole thing.

About Me

I am an Internal Medicine physician who has practiced for over 25 years in Northern California. I was previously the President of the SF Medical Society and Chief of Staff at a large academic medical center. I am currently the Chief Executive Officer for a large Physician and health care provider group in Northern
California. My practice is smaller now
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